Shimla, 5 October (IANS) Himachal Pradesh government will start the purchase of naturally grown barley in Pangi from October 8, which is at a minimum support price of Rs 60 per kg (MSP).
This is the first time such a government -backed procurement drive is taking place in this remote field, and farmers are highly enthusiastic with this initiative.
A government spokesperson said here that all preparations for the purchase of barley have been completed by the Agriculture Department.
Five procurement centers have been set up in the Pangi Valley in Hudan, Sachu, Surl, Killer and Sach.
So far, 80 farmers of Pangi have registered with the department to benefit from this decision.
Promoting natural farming is an important priority for the state government, which has already completed the purchase of naturally grown wheat in Himachal Pradesh.
Through 22 procurement centers, 2,123.587 quintals of wheat have been purchased from 838 farmers.
The wheat purchased is being processed in flour and oatmeal and will be marketed under the ‘snow-enjoyment’ brand.
Farmers have been paid Rs 1.27 crore for their produce, in addition to Rs 4.15 lakh as transport subsidy.
The spokesman said that the state government is committed to encouraging the yield of Rs 60 per kg for wheat, Rs 40 for maize, Rs 90 for raw turmeric and Rs 60 for barley.
This initiative not only ensures chemical-free food products for consumers, but also guarantees better prices for farmers cultivating through natural ways.
Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu said that the present government is dedicated to strengthening the rural economy and putting money directly in the hands of the villagers.
To achieve this, the state government has launched two new initiatives, milk incentive schemes and transport subsidy schemes, which begins in Araki assembly constituency of Solan district.
Under the Milk Promotion Scheme, farmers associated with registered milk cooperative societies will get an incentive of Rs 3 per liter, while under the transport subsidy scheme, private milk society will also get Rs 3 per liter as financial assistance for milk collection and transportation.
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